The time has come for Mets GM Sandy Alderson to take his rebuilding project to another level.Associated Press

Hasn't exactly been a banner week for the New York Mets.

For those keeping score:

They were swept by the Nationals; formally eliminated from post-season contention for the seventh consecutive season; were jilted by longtime radio home WFAN for the Yankees; and are exactly one more loss away from making official their fifth losing season in a row –- a mark that will tie them with the futile Astros for the game’s longest streak of sub-.500 campaigns.

All of that’s been expected.

When GM Sandy Alderson arrived, we knew the veteran GM was going to tear this operation down, let some bad contracts expire, then look to move forward for 2014.

Well, that time is quickly approaching.

Alderson’s done well with the restraint phase of this rebuild. He’s stockpiled a nice stash of high-end young pitching – even with Matt Harvey’s injury.

And he hasn’t imported a free agent of note.

Now he's going to have to show he can improve a team – and he’ll have to navigate free agency to do so, a method of acquisition he’s shown little interest in thus far.

The rumor mill has already been active.

We hear Terry Collins is coming back, an awful September aside.

Seems the team is very interested in free agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, who's got a robust on-base percentage and would be a good start.

But a second outfielder is needed. A shortstop too.

We hear the Mets are content to pit Ike Davis and Lucas Duda against each other at first base in a battle of underachievers next spring.

Alderson’s mentioned the need for veteran starter in light of Harvey’s elbow, and that’s smart. Relievers will also be needed.